Saturday, April 14, 2007

PEC Program for 15 Apr / Report from 8 Apr 2007

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 15th April, 2007:

We have a great entertaining Songkran special for you this week with the Australian expat author and 'raconteur' Marc Holt. (For the educationally challenged that's not someone who keeps raccoon's in their back garden but means a master storyteller...) He will have an illustrated PowerPoint presentation, but start with a short stand-up comedy act, and then talk about how he started his character Foster Foskin, plus a reading of Foster's poems. Then he will take any questions from the audience.

Marc is Bangkok based, and has a new column in the Pattaya Trader magazine - 'Foster Foskin's Agony Column'. The Foster character started out in the ongoing series, 'The Chronicles of Foster Foskin's Adventures in Thailand ', which first appeared in StickmanBangkok.com. So far, Marc has published 18 chapters with more on the way. He has this on a blog too: http://holtww.com/holtblog/?p=3

Some new Club Notices will be given by Vice President Richard Ravensdale. Four new board members who have all worked hard for more than the minimum six months in our voluntary service team have now been elected to the PECs Board of Trustees. They will be presented on stage - they are Arvid Tviberg, Jahir Khan, enRico Nestler and Steen Joergensen. The club meeting format has a change of style too - a shorter meeting duration to 90 minutes to end at 1pm - so please attend this week to cast a club members vote on the subject. The Production Team and the Board of Trustees are also being polled on the subject this week. It will involve a trial period without MCs, just brief segment links by the Duty Meeting Managers - who know the running order of the programme. The aim is to improve the actual programme content with more regular features and top grade main speakers. Open Forum may also be more democratic - with a club member suggested by the audience to lead it each week. So if you fancy a spell on the mike refereeing questions and answers on all and everything please come this Sunday and apply to the Meeting Manager.

News...JR Travel of Jomtien, known for their discounts offers to PEC members have done it again. News of their latest offer at the club this week.

News...Our Lucky Draw Prizes are worth your visit alone this Sunday morning, drawn throughout the meeting, up to 11 Prizes are expected this week, dinners at such excellent restaurants as Globetrotter, Jameson's, Tropical Bert's, Plazma Pub, Boxing Roo, Book prizes from Canterbury Tales Café bookshop, and Flower bouquet Prizes from The Orchid shop. So each club member has a high chance of winning.

News...There will also be tickets on sale at 75 baht from this week for the monthly club members 'social gathering' breakfast at the Canterbury Tales Café, Soi Chaiyapoon, off Soi Buakhao. This is held the last Thursday of each month - 26th April. Tickets from Duty Meeting Manager this Sunday - enRico Nestler.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Club Vice President, Richard Ravensdale, and a Club member from the audience will be asked to host our Open Microphone Forum, so come and listen in at 2nd Rd's Grand Sole Hotel, and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya!

We also want to remind members that the PIH (Pattaya International Hospital) is offering check-ups for men and women over 50 from 2,800 baht, up to 8,900 baht. The PEC membership card entitles members to a 10% discount on certain inpatient medical costs - a discount on room rates and physical therapies only.

The Pattaya People Weekly newspaper is now available worldwide in a PDF format at the following website:http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx

YOGA TRAINING will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm to the 1st May, 2007 at the Public Health Center on Soi Buakhao.

PATTAYA BRIDGE CLUB: Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 13.00 at the Tropicana Hotel, North Pattaya ; between the Beach Road and 2nd Road . Players of all abilities are welcome. Tel 038 422924, mobile 086 7445386. www.pattayabridge.com

Transportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport :

Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM . The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.

A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road ). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. The current schedule is:

At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus to Jomtien is referred to as number 999, but the bus itself does NOT carry this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction. A recent visitor who used this bus reported a 'good service'. The yellow bus does not have a scheduled stop in Pattaya, but will stop if requested.

We will have our late-morning start time of speakers programme from 11:30 am , with the optional brunch from about 10:30 am till after 12 noon . The meeting entry cost is 80 Baht and for non-members 100 Baht.

Wherever you are in the world today, we wish you a wonderful upcoming weekend, and if you are not already enjoying life in Pattaya - then come back soon and best wishes from all of us at the Pattaya Expats Club.

To contact PEC by email: (info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)Our Vice-President is due back this week and should be at the next Meeting - welcome back Richard.

A face from PEC's past appeared last Sunday, Dave Watson is now back living & working in UK. Dave was an important part of the original few who started the club back in 2001. Dave is just visiting for a few weeks, and hopes to be with us again this coming Sunday.

Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of background preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting, or drop us an email.

Our main Speaker today was:- Dr. Karnchana Kittisarapong M.D., a specialist in the field of Allergies and Immunology. She originally trained as a paediatrician in Bangkok 's Mahidol University, and later with a Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Ramathibodi Hospital at the same university. There were many questions from the floor on allergic reactions and treatment of this annoying, and sometimes dangerous affliction.

Out in the foyer PIH staff also gave tests and check-ups free to our Club Members, including Blood Sugar tests. If you want to participate in this one please do not eat from the previous evening until after you take the test, which is ONLY available on the first Sunday of the month.

Our second Speaker was the popular motorbike taxi, street wise, club psychologist Khun Sombat who tackled the huge subject of - How to be safe in Thailand's Traffic. His advice was as follows: do not drink & drive, stay calm, don't try to drive as you would back home - fit into the local traffic pattern, beware of motorcycles driving on either side of you in both directions, and never leave home without your insurance!

Ask those questions on living in Thailand - here at the Meeting - during the Open Forum. This feature occurs each week, come and ask the expat experts!

Fancy a 12 hour sea fishing trip off Sattahip? Next trip planned for 28 April 0600 to1800. Contact James 0848717649.

A fast and cheap way to get between the New Airport and downtown Bangkok is the shared-passenger NGV (natural gas vehicle) minivans that run from various parts of the city. They are clean (many are new), cheap, convenient, hassle-free, and fast as they do the trip via toll-roads. There are various routes from around the city, but here are the details to/from Victory Monument and, thus, a BTS Skytrain.

BTS/Victory Monument to the airport: Take the Skytrain to Victory Monument, walk the Skywalk to the right and down the stairs to the 7-Eleven and Dunkin' Donuts stands. Usually very near there, to the right of these stands, in the city bus queue is one of these vans (some or all have NGV written on them) waiting to fill up, which they do quickly. Cost - around 45 baht, drive-time to airport in rush hour - about 25 minutes. Confirm with the driver that they are going to Suvarnabhumi, they will throw your luggage in the back, pay him, and go. They'll drop you off at the terminal. If the minivan isn't in the roundabout queue, you can either wait for one to arrive, or do a little exploring. There's a little side soi that sort-of tucks under an expressway, there are about a hundred shared-passenger minivans under there waiting to go to different parts of the city, just ask around for the one to Suvarnabhumi. This is a sweet, cheap, option from City to Airport.

When travelling from airport: Leave the Departure terminal door with your baggage (Arrivals is much busier) and take the Shuttle Bus for a 5+ minute ride to the airport's public transportation centre (where city buses and taxis park). Upon arrival look for minivans that are at the end of the long row of big city buses. There will be many and they have the letters NGV on them and destinations in Thai and English. There are several tables where you buy a ticket for the minivan. Find the right ticket seller for your destination, pay your 45 baht or so, and get in the correct minivan. When it's full, you'll be on your way via toll-ways to your destination. Choosing a route to a BTS station extends your choices of final destination! Try it, and tell us what you think.

Member Glenis is a volunteer helper with the Father Ray Foundation, she is teaching the children. She would like your help with a few low-cost items that you might usually throw away. If you can bring these to the meetings she will collect. Empty Lipton Tea boxes, Dutch Milk half-litre plastic bottles + tops, any water bottle tops.

We were asked if anyone knows of a contact to take care of stray dogs. If you actually mean CARE, then Tony (of Disco & Gym fame) will arrange to pick up sick strays and have them cared for.

I recently checked with the Yellow Bus company in Soi Chaiyaphuk near Jomtien Beach. They do NOT run a bus to the old airport Don Muang - yet. The timetable to the new airport remains the same.

The British Embassy's Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies, Barry Kenyon can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes, if you can show original proof. Contact 081 782 7363.

Friday, April 06, 2007

PEC Program for 8 Apr / Report from 1 Apr 2007

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 8th April, 2007:News...Our Lucky Draw Prizes are worth your visit alone this Sunday morning, drawn throughout the meeting, up to 14 Prizes are expected this week, dinners at such excellenet restaurants as Globetrotter, Jameson's, Tropical Berts, Plazma Pub, Boxing Roo, Book prizes from Canterbury Tales Café bookshop, and 5 Flower bouquet Prizes. So each club member has a high chance of winning. This is another periodic club health week courtesy of Pattaya International Hospital with an illustrated Powerpoint digital slides medical talk by Dr Karnchana Kittisarapong M.D. who is a specialist in the field of Allergies and Immunology. The talk theme is Allergic Rhinitis. Dr Karnchana originally trained as a pediatrician in Bangkok's Mahidol University later with a Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Ramathibodi Hospital at the same university. She was a visiting doctor at Westcoast Clinical Trial Centre, Long Beach , California and has worked in a number of Thai hospitals including Chonburi, Royal Thai Airforce Hospital , Phayathai hospital's in Bangkok and Sri Racha as a Pediatrician, and specialist in Allergy and Immunology, and most recently at Kasemraj Hospital Bangkok before joining the PIH this year. She is very familiar with Thailand's East coast!

Out in the foyer PIH staff will also give tests and check ups free to our club members including this week Blood Sugar tests. If you want to participate in this one please do not eat from the previous evening until after you take the test.

Our 2nd speaker is the popular motorbike taxi street wise club psychologist Khun Sombat who this week tackles the perennial subject of how to handle Thai Traffic.

Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be enRico, and Brian will host the Open Microphone Forum, so come and listen in at 2nd Rd 's Grand Sole Hotel, and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya!

Transportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport:Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM. The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road ). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. The current schedule is:Pattaya to Airport: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 1930. Airport to Pattaya: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2030.At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus to Jomtien is referred to as number 999, but the bus itself does NOT carry this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction. A recent visitor who used this bus reported a 'good service'. The yellow bus does not have a scheduled stop in Pattaya, but will stop if requested.

We will have our late-morning start time of speakers programme from 11:30 am , with the optional brunch from about 10:30 am till after 12 noon . The meeting entry cost is 80 Baht and for non-members 100 Baht. For that, we enjoy the excellent technical presentation facilities of the Grand Sole Hotel conference room.

Our foyer exhibition displays, throughout the meeting period from 10:30 , are worth a visit for practical advice from experts. In the club's greeting, programme and memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 200 Baht, expiring 31 Dec 2007, or 600 Baht for Life Membership. (Bring two very small 'visa' photos and your card is laminated and ready at the same meeting.)Display tables have in-depth information from regular expert contributors in their field. Our Microphone announcement at 11:10am confirms who is available to consult free of charge. For example, The Pattaya International Hospital table usually includes regular FREE testing of blood groups, blood sugar, blood pressure and lung function to help you stay healthy.

Advice on insurance policies is available from AA Insurance - including the club member's own low cost 'group' health policy, now in its second year, with a premium at under 11,000 B - please show your member's card to apply. They also have a range of Insurances such as property, house contents and motor cover available.

Tickets are sold from 10:30 AM when hall doors open for seating. The table plan is usually in friendly format tables for eight or ten - so please allow the 'gaps' to be filled by new arrivals at your table.---------

To contact PEC by email: (info@pattayaexpatsclub.com)Hi, I'm an occasional MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of background preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting, or drop us an email. Also, we urgently need to expand our MC group. So if you have stage experience, or would just like to try-out to join our 2 current MCs, contact us. It's not as difficult as it may seem, and we are always looking for different styles to provide variety at our Meetings.

Our main Speaker today was:- Dr.Sopon Pornchokchai, who addressed the club on Real Estate Valuations. Khun Sopon has been a consultant to the UN-Habitat, ILO, ESCAP, FAO, and other international organizations. He is an experienced valuer, urban planner and real estate analyst since 1980. His lectures are usually aimed at Real Estate businessmen, but some areas of his speech were applicable to our guests. He is President of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs (www.area.co.th) which is the largest real estate information centre in Thailand. He also established the Thai Real Estate Business School (www.trebs.ac.th) which is an international real estate education institution located in Thailand. He is president of the Thai Appraisal Foundation, a director of the ASEAN Valuers Association, a board member of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Real Estate Board. He also serves as an advisor to the Property Managers Association of Thailand and the Housing Mortgage Association. He is an advisor to the Appraisal Foundation, Washington D.C. and the country representative of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) based in Chicago. Our second Speaker had good audience participation during her short Thai Language lesson. Khun Yok teaches Thai in group or individually at her school on Naklua Road, 119/77, opposite Wat Po. She demonstrated tones, pronunciation, and coached a few useful & topical phrases. You can contact her at: email (yok_teach_thai@yahoo.co.th), or 08 9166 4899.Ask those questions on living in Thailand - here at the Meeting - during the Open Forum. This feature occurs each week, time permitting, and has a maximum time allowed of 30 minutes. Come and ask the expat experts! :)

Fancy a 12 hour sea fishing trip off Sattahip? Next trip planned for 28 April 0600 to1800. Contact James 0848717649.

All Orange mobile phone numbers have been taken over by True Company. The office is in Royal Garden Plaza 2 floors up. Also UBC is now designated True-UBC.

David came to see us, and left many flyers about UK pensions. He reminds us that British non-UK residents will forfeit any future increase to their government pension, and he wants folks to join him in passing on their response to this situation to the UK authorities. He calls for a concerted response during the week 2 to 8 April by email & letter. I spoke about these flyers and within a few minutes they were gone. Contact David on 0899318061.

Member Glenis is a volunteer helper with the Father Ray Foundation, she is teaching the children. She would like your help with a few low-cost items that you might usually throw away. If you can bring these to the meetings she will collect. Empty Lipton Tea boxes, Dutch Milk half-litre plastic bottles + tops, any water bottle tops.

Derrick McCarrick, otherwise known as 'Roger the Rabbit' invites all members to join him in a Pattaya 'Half-Marathon' (one has to start easy!) July 15. He is performing his 'Roger Rabbit' run to support the Ban Jing Jai Children's home, and would love you to support him for that purpose. He is in his 70's, an ex-London-Cabbie, and fit as a fiddle! Derrick is running the London Marathon on April 22, but it's a bit late for you all to join him, now. (Wow, that's a relief!)

Stuart brought us 5 Draw prizes from - Thai Orchid - flower modelling store, out near the new Condotel just past Bruno's restaurant on the way to Jomtien, along with a promise of more later.

I asked a member what the date was on Sunday. He showed me his new watch, it read Sunday 32 March - Now that's some April-fool Joke!

We were asked if anyone knows of an contact to take care of stray dogs.

I've just checked with the Yellow Bus company in Soi Chaiyaphuk near Jomtien Beach. They do NOT run a bus to the old airport Don Meuang - yet. The timetable to the new airport remains the same.

The British Embassy's Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies, Barry Kenyon can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes, if you can show original proof. Contact 081 782 7363.US Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Gary Hacker. Contact 089 803 0388.

Friday, March 30, 2007

PEC Program for 1 Apr / Report from 25 Mar 2007

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 1 April, 2007:

Our speaker for Sunday is Dr.Sopon Pornchokchai, who will address the club on Real Estate Valuations. Khun Sopon has been a consultant to the UN-Habitat, ILO, ESCAP, FAO, and other international organizations. He is an experienced valuer, urban planner and real estate analyst since 1980. He owns and is the president of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs (www.area.co.th) which is the largest real estate information centre in Thailand. AREA is also the only wholly ISO 9001 certified property consultant firm in Thailand. AREA won the 2005 ethical award from the Thai Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the UN Global Compact on Good Governance. He also established the Thai Real Estate Business School (www.trebs.ac.th) which is an international real estate education institution located in Thailand.Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be enRico, and Brian will host the Open Microphone Forum, so come and listen in at 2nd Rd's Grand Sole Hotel, and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya!

The PEC's DVD and Book Swap will be in the front left of the meeting room. Bring in those books, magazines and DVD's that you've already perused, and swap them out for some new ones! Many thanks to PEC members Ray and Joyce Aldridge for their help with this project!

We also want to remind members that the PIH (Pattaya International Hospital) is offering check-ups men and women over 50 for 2,800 baht, up to 8,900 baht. The PEC membership card entitles members to a 10% discount on some in-patient medical costs. The PIH is also offering a free blood sugar test to our members on every first Sunday of the month. (The next test date is Sunday, 1 April.) If you would like to have this test, please do not eat or drink before coming to the meeting.

Events Around Town:The Immigration Office on Soi 5 in Jomtien is now closed on Saturdays.PATTAYA BEACH FOOTBALL event will be held at the multi-purpose field on Jomtien Beach starting from 1st to 8th of April.CHENG MENG CHINESE CEREMONY is on 5th April.DANCE ON THE BEACH on Saturday, 7th April. Venue to be announced. Tel: 081-863-1027SONGKRAN FESTIVAL on 13th/14th/15th April.ASIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH SUMMER CAMPS. Students aged 14 up (no upper limit). Camp I from 15th March - 11th April. Camp II from 16th April - 13th May. Join the fun at Asian U English Summer Camps. A busy academic programme combined with an active social programme to give youngsters an enjoyable, productive way to spend their summer holidays. Information from Asian U website: www.asianust.ac.th or e-mail admissions@asianust.ac.th or telephone 038 754 450.Transportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport:Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM. The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. The current schedule is:Pattaya to Airport: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 1930.Airport to Pattaya: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2030.At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus to Jomtien is referred to as number 999, but the bus itself does NOT carry this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction. A recent visitor who used this bus reported a 'good service'. The yellow bus does not have a scheduled stop in Pattaya, but will stop if requested.

Advice on insurance policies is available from AA Insurance - including the club member's own low cost 'group' health policy, now in its second year, with a premium at under 11,000 B - please show your member's card to apply. They also have a range of Insurances such as property, house contents and motor cover available.

And the MC Report from 25 March Meeting:Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.To contact PEC by email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com) (info@pattayaexpatsclub.com - does not work)Programme Manager:- Loran. Meeting Manager:- enRico. Brian was our MC today, with Loran as Open-Forum Moderator.Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting, or drop us an email. Also, we urgently need to expand our MC group. So if you have stage experience, or would just like to try-out to join our 2 current MCs, contact us. It's not as difficult as it may seem, and we are always looking for different styles to provide variety at our Meetings.

Our main Speaker today was:- Herr Werner Schmidt. He introduced a new bio-pesticide from Germany named "Permedan". This is a new generation water-based contact pest control spray. It does not smell, is non-toxic, and kills only cold-blooded insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, ants, wasps, fleas, mites, termites, woodlice, ticks, roaches, silverfish, lice, spiders, etc. Apparently domestic pets are safe. Werner gave a very relaxed, informative, and often humorous presentation, easily holding the interest of the members. Later he offered a discount to all as they left the meeting. Contact: 0878351136 (German & English), 0871265213 (Thai). Werner is also looking for contacts to expand sales internationally.Ask those questions on living in Thailand - here at the Meeting - during the Open Forum. This feature occurs each week - come and ask the expat experts! :)

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital has a club for patients who have undergone eyesight surgery, or wish to find out more - what a great idea for those seeking answers before surgery. (http://www.supersightclub.com).Bangkok's 2nd airport opened 25 march. Don Muang Airport is designated on tickets as DMK, Suvarnabhumi Airport is designated BKK.

All Orange mobile phone numbers have been taken over by True Company. The office is in Royal Garden Plaza 2 floors up. Also UBC is now designated True-UBC.

Come and learn a few Thai phrases with Khun Yok, next Sunday.

The British Embassy's Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies, Barry Kenyon can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes, if you can show original proof. Contact 081 782 7363.

Please help our Meeting organisers by suggesting 'Speakers' for our weekly (Sunday) Meetings. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in May, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

PEC Program for 25 Mar / Report from 18 Mar 2007

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 25 March, 2007: Khun Werner Schmidt, will introduce a new bio-pesticide from Germany named "Permedan". This new generation of pest control does not smell, is non-toxic and safe for domestic pets, and kills only cold-blooded insects, such as flies, mosquitos, wasps, fleas, ticks, spiders, etc.Werner will offer club members deeply discounted bottles and sprays of the insecticide outside the meeting room, on a table in the foyer, if anyone wishes to sample the product.Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Brian, and Loran will host the Open Microphone Forum, so come and listen in at 2nd Rd's Grand Sole Hotel, and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya!The PEC's DVD and Book Swap will be in the front left of the meeting room. Bring in those books, magazines and DVD's that you've already perused, and swap them out for some new ones! Many thanks to PEC members Ray and Joyce Aldridge for their help with this project!Events Around Town:NOTE: The Immigration Office on Soi 5 in Jomtien is now closed on Saturdays.TEQUILA REEF celebrating 6th Anniversary with Gala Party on 24th March from 6.00pm. Soi 7, Beach Road.--------- And the MC Report from 18 March Meeting:Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.To contact PEC email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)Programme Manager:- Loran. Meeting Manager:- enRico. Alexander was our MC today, with Loran as Open-Forum Moderator.Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting, or drop us an email.Our main Speaker today was:- Rotarian and Master Mariner, Captain John Blair, who told us about The Mobility Project In Chonburi Province. This USA-based charity has liased with the Rotarians in Chonburi Province to bring used wheelchairs from the US to Thailand. Most of these wheelchairs need only minor repairs, and are much needed by Thai people with disabilities who cannot afford a wheelchair. John related a very moving story of his visit to a child. This story appears, in full, in Pattaya People Weekly this week. After his talk, Captain John auctioned an old tennis racket to raise money for this project, the Members responded with gusto.A special delight was in store for all attendees. Steve Watson, Managing Director of Pizzas 'R' Us, wheeled in enough hot pizzas to satisfy all. Steve's new expanded menu, in addition to his tasty pizzas, salads, burgers and fries, now includes Mexican Food, such as the Giant Burrito with Pork, and the Chicken Chimichanga, and has added Set Special Meals which can satisfy any appetite! I had a small slice - it was great!Ask those questions on living in Thailand - here at the Meeting - during the Open Forum. This feature occurs each week - come and ask the expat experts! :) This week we acquired an addition to our Production Team. A member decided to assist at our Sunday Meetings. A very warm welcome to Morris Johnson from the US.Here are some contact numbers for your Bank Cards.Mastercard 02 260 8572, Visa Thailand 02 256 7326, Visa International 02 263 2091, Visa UK +44 1733 318950 (collect), Visa USA +1 800 11 342 0662Amex 02 273 5544, 02 273 0044Diners 02 238 3660Citicorp 02 232 2000 ext 3390Thomas Cook 02 679 5521According to Forbes there are now 946 known USD Billionaires - with Bill Gates heading the list at - USD56b. I asked the room if there was a billionaire here, and only one admitted it. We all gave him our email addresses! Later when I spoke to him, he said - just ask my wife, she's convinced I'm a billionaire!The British Embassy's Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies, Barry Kenyon can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes, if you can show original proof. Contact 081 782 7363.US Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Gary Hacker. Contact 089 803 0388.Why not come along next Sunday morning 10:30am (11:30 program start) to the Grand Solé Hotel (in the Theppraya Room, up on the Mezzanine level), 370 Pattaya 2nd Road (north), near the Pattaya Mail Office. Hotel tel: 038 427 555 Fax: 038 427 550. Half way between TOPS supermarket & BIG-C supermarket - bring a friend.For location: (http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)PEC website:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.com)PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)PEC email:- (webhits2000@yahoo.com)See you soon, MC - Brian.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

PEC Program for 18 Mar / Report from 11 Mar 2007

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 18 March, 2007: A special delight is in store for all comfort-food famished PEC members: Steve Watson, Managing Director of Pizzas 'R' Us, will treat the club to a sampling of his new, expanded menu: in addition to his tasty pizzas, salads, burgers and fries, Steve is serving up Mexican Food, such as the Giant Burrito with Pork, and the Chicken Chimichanga, and has added Set Special Meals which can satisfy any appetite!Our Speaker for Sunday is Rotarian and Master Mariner, Captain John Blair, who will tell us about The Mobility Project In Chonburi Province. This USA-based charity has liased with the Rotarians in Chonburi Province to bring used wheelchairs from the US to Thailand. Most of these wheelchairs need only minor repairs, and are much needed by Thai people with disabilities who cannot afford a wheelchair. John writes: "On Thursday the 17th of January we loaded up five wheelchairs into the back of my pickup and headed out of Pattaya to Chonburi, where we met up with a local Doctor and a welfare officer from the City Council. They led us to a house not very far from town; we were greeted by an old lady sitting outside with a beautiful little girl who was sitting on a table next to her grandmother. The little girl was sceptical of all these people and did not smile. We asked lots of questions and it turned out she was 12 years old and had never been to school. Her entire body was about 20 centimetres (about one foot) wide and was about 40 centimetres (2 feet) high. We had an engineer with us who was part of the mobility team from the USA that had bought 50 wheelchairs over with them. The engineer made a number of adjustments to the wheel chair. Meanwhile I went in to the family house and found the father and the brother of the little girl. They were in a very poor condition, and lay on a small thin mattress each on the floor. They were both crippled and could not get up. The little girl's mother had cancer and was unable to do much for anyone. So it was left to the grandmother to take care of everyone". Find out what happened, and how we helped this family.After his talk, Captain John will host a quick auction of a valuable, old tennis racket to raise money for this project.Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Alexander Valentine, who will also amuse us with some PowerPoint Funnies, and Loran Davidson will host the Open Microphone Forum, so come and listen in at 2nd Rd's Grand Sole Hotel, and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya !The PEC's DVD and Book Swap will be in the front left of the meeting room. Bring in those books, magazines and DVD's that you've already perused, and swap them out for some new ones! Many thanks to PEC members Ray and Joyce Aldridge for their help with this project!We also want to remind members that the PIH (Pattaya International Hospital) is offering check-ups men and women over 50 for 2,800 baht, up to 8,900 baht. The PEC membership card entitles members to a 10% discount on some inpatient medical costs.Events Around Town:PATTAYA INTERNATIONAL LADIES CLUB. Coffee Morning at Gian's on Thappraya Road on 20th March. Contact Stephanie on 089 544 4842, stephaniemoorhouse@hotmail.com or Sam on 087 9888 522. No reservations required. Members and guests. Ladies of all nationalities welcome. President: Rosanne Diamente. Tel: 081-865-0714.BAD BOYS PATTAYA MC GALA at Alcazar Theatre on 23rd March at 7.00pm.TEQUILA REEF celebrating 6th Anniversary with Gala Party on 24th March from 6.00pm. Soi 7, Beach Road.YOGA TRAINING will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm to the 1st May, 2007 at the Public Health Center on Soi Buakhao.ASIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH SUMMER CAMPS. Students aged 14 up (no upper limit). Camp I from 15th March - 11th April. Camp II from 16th April - 13th May. Join the fun at Asian U English Summer Camps. A busy academic programme combined with an active social programme to give youngsters an enjoyable, productive way to spend their summer holidays. Information from Asian U website: (www.asianust.ac.th) or e-mail: (admissions@asianust.ac.th) or telephone 038 754 450.PATTAYA BRIDGE CLUB: Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 13.00 at the Tropicana Hotel, North Pattaya; between the Beach Road and 2nd Road. Players of all abilities are welcome. Tel 038 422924, mobile 086 7445386. www.pattayabridge.com'Sunday Unplugged' Jam SessionsAt the Bristol Music, Bar Soi 6, Jomtien, every Sunday 1900-2300. All musicians & vocalists are welcome - proceeds help to support The Camillion Society of Rayong, which manages six projects for HIV positive children and adults. For more info call Danny at 08-471-21819.BUDDIE meetings at Redemptorist Centre of Thailand, Sukhumvit Road, every Wednesday at 7.00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086 or lbcrone@hotmail.comTransportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport:Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM. The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. The current schedule is:Pattaya to Airport: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 1930.Airport to Pattaya: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2030.At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus to Jomtien is referred to as number 999, but the bus itself does NOT carry this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction. A recent visitor who used this bus reported a 'good service'. The yellow bus does not have a scheduled stop in Pattaya, but will stop if requested.We are doing our Lucky Draw prizes throughout the meeting with the prizes being announced after the Open Forum. These prizes are dinners for two at fine restaurants around the city, such as Jameson's and The Globetrotter, another great reason to be a member and to come into the Pattaya Expats Club this Sunday 11:30 am at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd.We will have our late-morning start time of speakers programme from 11:30 am, with the optional brunch from about 10:30 am till after 12 noon. The meeting entry cost is 80 Baht and for non-members 100 Baht. For that, we enjoy the excellent technical presentation facilities of the Grand Sole Hotel conference room.Advice on insurance policies is available from AA Insurance - including the club member's own low cost 'group' health policy, now in its second year, with a premium at under 11,000 B - please show your member's card to apply. They also have a range of Insurances such as property, house contents and motor cover available.Tickets are sold from 10:30 AM when hall doors open for seating. The table plan is usually in friendly format tables for eight or ten - so please allow the 'gaps' to be filled by new arrivals at your table. --------- And the MC Report from 11 March Meeting:Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.To contact PEC email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com) (do not use - info@pattayaexpatsclub.com - it doesn't work)Programme Manager:- Loran. Meeting Manager:- enRico. Brian was our MC today, with Loran as Open-Forum Moderator.Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting, or drop us an email.Our main Speaker today was:- Steve Dickens of Liberty Computers, expanding on his excellent series of articles in the Pattaya People Newspaper regarding useful Software that is either free or low cost - and effective! Anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-scumware, firewalls, browsers, utilities, etc. There are quite a few recommended by Liberty Computers. There followed a Q & A skilfully handled by our knowledgeable speaker. Read up on his detailed articles, visit their premises, or contact them via their website information: (http://www.liberty-computers.com).Our 2nd Speaker was Belgium Member Donaat Vernieuwe, with his final presentation in the series - being busy doesn't necessarily mean being stressed. This week he demonstrated body swinging techniques, and the benefits of quiet, dark silence. He always emphasises that sitting at a desk, maybe using a computer, stresses the body by asking it to be in unnatural positions for long periods. This series of muscle flexing and movement enables you to continue to do this with less long-term harm to you body skeleton. Thanks Donaat.Ask those questions on living in Thailand - here at the Meeting - during the Open Forum. This feature occurs each week - come and ask the expat experts! :) Sadly we heard of the death of Member Philip Thomas. I'm sure many will remember Tex and his charming daughter Chelsea who attended regularly. She usually sat quietly with her toys, or drawings, while her Dad joined in with the meeting. Last Christmas she gave me a personally drawn Christmas card for all the Members of PEC, shortly before she sang with Mary from the Blues Factory on our stage. I understand Chelsea's Mother is here in Thailand. Tex's Thai-style funeral service was held last week.We looked at the problems with ATM cards. If you are on holiday abroad for a short time, alert your card issuer to your plans so they will be prepared to allow a charge from an unusual destination. There is little worse than reading a message on the ATM screen that says your card will not work. Try to use ATMs that are in a controlled Mall, there may be tv cameras, and patrolling guards that deter criminals from manipulating a machine. If you have a Thai Bank card try to use the same Bank's ATM. It is not only cheaper (no charge) but, if a problem results, you only have to deal with one Bank. Don't let people crowd you at an ATM, they may observe your PIN entry, and grab your card. Look for unusual boxes added to the ATM, it could be a small camera watching the keypad. Remember people near you with a phone may have a camera in the phone. It's an evil world where money is concerned.Here are some contact numbers for your Bank Cards.Mastercard 02 260 8572, Visa Thailand 02 256 7326, Visa International 02 263 2091, Visa UK +44 1733 318950 (collect), Visa USA +1 800 11 342 0662Amex 02 273 5544, 02 273 0044Diners 02 238 3660Citicorp 02 232 2000 ext 3390Thomas Cook 02 679 5521I've just completed my annual trip to the Vehicle Registration Office to obtain replacement discs for my pickup-truck's windshield. I'm delighted to report the costs were the same as last year - no increases. For my 2-door pick-up the fixed charges are: Government compulsory insurance 1074 baht - Vehicle check 200 baht - Vehicle road use tax 1050 baht, 2324 baht for the year. Charges vary with vehicle type.According to Forbes there are now 946 known USD Billionaires - with Bill Gates heading the list at - USD56b. I wonder if any of them live in Pattaya? There were recently just 2 winners of a Lottery in USA - over USD116m each. Beyond imagination, isn't it?The British Embassy's Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies, Barry Kenyon can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes, if you can show original proof. Contact 081 782 7363.US Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Gary Hacker. Contact 089 803 0388.Please help our Meeting organisers by suggesting 'Speakers' for our weekly (Sunday) Meetings. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in May, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.Why not come along next Sunday morning 10:30am (11:30 program start) to the Grand Solé Hotel (in the Theppraya Room, up on the Mezzanine level), 370 Pattaya 2nd Road (north), near the Pattaya Mail Office. Hotel tel: 038 427 555 Fax: 038 427 550. Half way between TOPS supermarket & BIG-C supermarket - bring a friend.For location: (http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)PEC website:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.com)PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)PEC email:- (webhits2000@yahoo.com)See you soon, MC - Brian.

Friday, March 09, 2007

PEC Program for 11 Mar / Report from 4 Mar 2007

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 11 March, 2007:Our speaker for this Sunday is Steve Dickens, Liberty Computers Pattaya. An update to the ever changing computer scene, and an opportunity to ask questions.We again have the pleasure of relaxing with Donaat Vernieuwe, showing us how computer junkies can stay fit and healthy on their chairs! Based on Yoga and other techniques, Donaat will demonstrate more of his techniques on how to pre-empt those annoying back and shoulder cramps! Donaat studied and practiced yoga, hypnosis, and other relaxation techniques, which he has passed on in seminars to many industrial and educational groups.Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Brian, and Loran will host the Open Microphone Forum, so come and listen in at 2nd Rd's Grand Sole Hotel, and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya !The PEC's DVD and Book Swap will be in the front left of the meeting room. Bring in those books, magazines and DVD's that you've already perused, and swap them out for some new ones! Many thanks to PEC members Ray and Joyce Aldridge for their help with this project!We also want to remind members that the PIH (Pattaya International Hospital) is offering check-ups men and women over 50 from 2,800 baht to 8,900 baht. The PEC membership card entitles members to a 10% discount on any in-patient medical costs. The PIH is also offering a free blood sugar test to our members on every first Sunday of the month. (The next test date is Sunday, 1 April.) If you would like to have this test, please do not eat or drink after mid-night, before coming to the meeting.Events Around Town:VEGETARIAN CLUB OF PATTAYA. Vegetarian Adventure Buffet only 99 Baht. Every 2nd Tuesday of month. Next 13th March at 18.00pm. Cafe New Orleans, Soi Pattayaland 2. Everyone welcome. Limited seating. Reservations required. Tel: 038-710-805 (Mikey). info@pattayapeople.comMANTRA SPARKLING CHARITY. Until 21st April the Mantra Restaurant is holding a Champagne Charity Fundraising. Proceeds from sales will be donated to the "Baht for a Better Life Foundation", to further the education of and build schools for underprivileged children in Thailand. Tel: 038 429 591.YOGA TRAINING will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm until 1st May, 2007 at the Public Health Center on Soi Buakhao.BARTERCARD TRADE EXPO on 10th March at Town In Town Hotel in Pattaya 10.30am until 4pm.ASIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH SUMMER CAMPS. Students aged 14 up (no upper limit). Camp 1 from 15th March - 11th April. Camp 2 from 16th April - 13th May. Join the fun at Asian U English Summer Camps. A busy academic programme combined with an active social programme to give youngsters an enjoyable, productive way to spend their summer holidays. Asian U website: www.asianust.ac.th or e-mail admissions@asianust.ac.th or telephone 038 754 450.PATTAYA BRIDGE CLUB: Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 13.00 at the Tropicana Hotel, North Pattaya; between the Beach Road and 2nd Road. Players of all abilities are welcome. Tel 038 422924, mobile 086 7445386. www.pattayabridge.com'Sunday Unplugged' Jam SessionsAt the Bristol Music, Bar Soi 6, Jomtien, every Sunday 1900-2300. All musicians & vocalists are welcome - proceeds help to support The Camillion Society of Rayong, which manages six projects for HIV positive children and adults. For more info call Danny at 08-471-21819.BUDDIE meetings at Redemptorist Centre of Thailand, Sukhumvit Road, every Wednesday at 7.00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086 or lbcrone@hotmail.comWe are announcing our Lucky Draw prize winners throughout the meeting with the prizes randomly selected after the Open Forum. These prizes are dinners for two at fine restaurants around the city, such as Jameson's and The Globetrotter, another great reason to be a member and to come into the Pattaya Expats Club this Sunday 11:30 am at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd.We have our start time of speakers programme from 11:30 am, with the optional brunch from about 10:30 am till after 12 noon. The meeting entry cost is 80 Baht and for non-members 100 Baht. For that, we enjoy the excellent technical presentation facilities of the Grand Sole Hotel conference room.In the club's memberships area you can get Club memberships at only 200 Baht, expiring 31 Dec 2007, or 600 Baht for Life Membership. Bring two small photos (2.5cm x 2.5cm) and your card is laminated and ready at the same meeting.Display tables have in-depth information from regular expert contributors in their field. Our Microphone announcement at 11:10am confirms who is available to consult free of charge. For example, The Pattaya International Hospital table often includes regular FREE testing of blood groups, blood sugar, blood pressure and lung function to help you stay healthy.Advice on insurance policies is available from AA Insurance - including the club member's own low cost 'group' health policy, now in its second year, with a premium at under 11,000 B - please show your member's card to apply. They also have a range of Insurances such as property, house contents and motor cover available.Tickets available from 10:30 AM when hall doors open for seating. The table plan is usually in friendly format tables for eight or ten - so please allow the 'gaps' to be filled by new arrivals at your table. --------- And the MC Report from 4 March Meeting:Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.To contact PEC email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)Programme Manager:- Loran. Meeting Manager:- enRico. Brian was our MC today, with Loran as Open-Forum Moderator.Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week.Our main Speaker today was:- Thor Haland, continuing his series of History of Thailand talks, accompanied by Powerpoint graphics. This (number 2 in the series) was a delightful look at the important and often changing face of the people who forged this land and it's neighbours. This was known as the Ayutthaya period (number 1 being the Sukhothai period). Thor pointed out that this past capital city can be easily reached in a day and houses many ruined palaces and religious sites, and is well worth a visit.Our 2nd Speaker was Belgium Member Donaat Vernieuwe, showing us how computer junkies can stay fit and healthy on their chairs! Based on Yoga and other techniques, Donaat demonstrated (along with a Powerpoint presentation) more of his techniques on how to pre-empt those annoying back and shoulder cramps.Ask those questions on living in Thailand - here at the Meeting - during the Open Forum. This feature occurs each week - come and ask the expat experts! :) The Experts Open Forum this week was Moderated by Loran, and featured an AA Insurance representative. Various questions ensued, bringing answers both from the floor and stage.11th march is the Spring Equinox in our part of the world. After this, days will be longer than nights - good for the beach, not so good for Walking Street. Summer is definitely on it's way. Songkran is only about a month away - time to hibernate soon!I've just completed my annual trip to the Vehicle Registration Office to obtain replacement discs for my windshield. I'm delighted to report the costs were the same as last year - no increases. For my 2-door pick-up truck the fixed charges are: Government compulsory insurance 1074 baht - Vehicle check 200 baht - Vehicle road use tax 1050 baht. Charges vary with vehicle type.The British Embassy's Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies, Barry Kenyon can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes, if you can show original proof. Contact 081 782 7363.US Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Gary Hacker. Contact 089 803 0388.Please help our Meeting organisers by suggesting 'Speakers' for our weekly (Sunday) Meetings.Why not come along next Sunday morning 10:30am (11:30 program start) to the Grand Solé Hotel (in the Theppraya Room, up on the Mezzanine level), 370 Pattaya 2nd Road (north), near the Pattaya Mail Office. Hotel tel: 038 427 555 Fax: 038 427 550. Half way between TOPS supermarket & BIG-C supermarket - bring a friend.For location - link to: (http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)PEC website:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.com)See you soon, MC - Brian.

Saturday, March 03, 2007

PEC Program for 4 March / Report from 25 Feb 2007

Meeting Programme for Sunday, 4 March, 2007:Thor Halland will be our guest speaker this Sunday, and will give us a talk on the History of Thailand. This will be the first of 5 lectures covering Thailand's history. Khun Thor was born in 1967, just outside of London, England, and attended Public school and The University of London. Thor served briefly with the Scots Guards, then managed his own property company for 10 years, and retired at 35.We will again be instructed by Donaat Vernieuwe how computer junkies can stay fit and healthy on their chairs! Based on Yoga and other techniques, Donaat will show us more of his techniques on how to pre-empt those annoying back and shoulder cramps! Khun Donaat writes:"In the Pattaya Expats Club meetings, every Sunday we are all sitting in the same posture for a few hours! This can disturb your blood circulation, taxes your back, and weakens your muscles. Therefore I will demonstrate some simple exercises for the neck, shoulders etc. The demonstrated software program Fit and Healthy on your Chair is a package of 30 exercises where all muscles of the body are activated. It makes your whole body more supple. Relaxation is the thread in the exercise package (breathing with the belly...). Regular relaxation increases your immunity and reduces backaches, stress and fear."In addition to an extensive career in Electronics, Donaat studied and practiced yoga, hypnosis, and other relaxation techniques, which he has passed on in seminars to many industrial and educational groups.Our Master of Ceremonies this Sunday will be Brian, and Loran will host the Open Microphone Forum, so come and listen in at 2nd Rd's Grand Sole Hotel, and participate with questions and answers about nearly everything for living safely and legally in Pattaya!The PEC's DVD and Book Swap will be in the front left of the meeting room. Bring in those books, magazines and DVD's that you've already perused, and swap them out for some new ones! Many thanks to PEC members Ray and Joyce Aldridge for their help with this project!Events Around Town:PRESS CLUB BOWLING CHARITY on 5th of March at P.S. Bowl Pattaya.BARTERCARD TRADE EXPO on 10th of March at Town In Town Hotel in Pattaya starting at 10.30am until 4pm.ASIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH SUMMER CAMPS. Students aged 14 up (no upper limit). Camp I from 15th March - 11th April. Camp II from 16th April - 13th May. Join the fun at Asian U English Summer Camps. A busy academic programme combined with an active social programme to give youngsters an enjoyable, productive way to spend their summer holidays. Information from Asian U website: www.asianust.ac.th or e-mail admissions@asianust.ac.th or telephone 038 754 450.'Sunday Unplugged' Jam SessionsAt the Bristol Music, Bar Soi 6, Jomtien, every Sunday 1900-2300. All musicians & vocalists are welcome - proceeds help to support The Camillion Society of Rayong, which manages six projects for HIV positive children and adults. For more info call Danny at 08-471-21819.BUDDIE meetings at Redemptorist Centre of Thailand, Sukhumvit Road, every Wednesday at 7.00pm. Contact Lynda 0841327086 or lbcrone@hotmail.comTransportation to/from Suvarnabhumi Airport:Roong Reung's Blue and White coach service departs from the airport bus depot to Pattaya Nua station at the following times: 8 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM. The Ticket office window is in the airport bus station. Price 106 Baht. Bell Travel goes up to the new airport each day from Pattaya Nua Bus Station (ticket office bungalow in the car park to right) at 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. Two ticket prices, depending if you book to be picked up by Bell Travel minibus from your home, 150 Baht or 200 Baht.A Yellow Bus to the airport leaves from Jomtien's Chaiyaphuk Road, (the office is near Beach Road). Tickets can be purchased 1 day in advance. The current schedule is:Pattaya to Airport: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 1930.Airport to Pattaya: 0630, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2030.At the airport - Transport Depot - this bus to Jomtien is referred to as number 999, but the bus itself does NOT carry this number. The bus is bright Yellow - single deck, with the words Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport written large on both sides, and a large notice in the drivers windshield saying either Pattaya or Airport. The cost is 106 baht in each direction. A recent visitor who used this bus reported a 'good service'. The yellow bus does not have a scheduled stop in Pattaya, but will stop if requested.We are doing our Lucky Draw prizes throughout the meeting with the prizes being announced after the Open Forum. These prizes are dinners for two at fine restaurants around the city, such as Jameson's and The Globetrotter, another great reason to be a member and to come into the Pattaya Expats Club this Sunday 11:30 am at The Grand Sole Hotel, 2nd Rd.Advice on insurance policies is available from AA Insurance - including the club member's own low cost 'group' health policy, now in its second year, with a premium at under 11,000 B - please show your member's card to apply. They also have a range of Insurances such as property, house contents and motor cover available. --------- And the MC Report from 25 Feb Meeting:Hi, I'm Brian, an MC at the Sunday meetings of the Pattaya Expats Club.To contact PEC email: (webhits2000@yahoo.com)Please think about helping out at the Pattaya Expats Club Meetings, or in the background during the week. A lot of preparation goes into one of our Meetings. You would be welcome, and you can determine your own level of input. Please contact a 'Maroon Jacket' member at any meeting.Each week we have a guest Speaker on a subject of choice, often recommended by a Member.Ask those questions on living in Thailand - here at the Meeting - during the Open Forum. This feature occurs each week - come and ask the expat experts! :) We have a couple of wireless microphones available to the floor to ask those questions, or just write it out and hand to one of our helpers.26 February was our 2 year anniversary at the Grand Sole Hotel for PEC Meetings.The British Embassy's Pattaya Office local representative for emergencies, Barry Kenyon can authenticate your UK pension or UK bank statements for Immigration purposes, if you can show original proof. Contact 081 782 7363.US Embassy local Pattaya representative for emergencies is Gary Hacker. Contact 089 803 0388.Please help our Meeting organisers by suggesting 'Speakers' for our weekly (Sunday) Meetings. Tell us a subject you wish to hear of by suggesting a competent speaker. There are vacancies in April, onwards. Please come up with some ideas and contact Loran our current Program/Speakers Manager. Give her your suggestions and let her arrange the details. Please do not fix dates in advance.Contact: Loran Davidson (furzymouse@gmail.com). Here are just a few useful Internet site links:Driving Tips: (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/drivinginthailand.htm)Visa Tips: (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/visainformation.htm)Telephone Tips: (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/telephonetips.htm)Newsletter link: (http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/currentnewsletter.htm)Q&A Forum: (http://s8.invisionfree.com/expats/index.php?)Thailand Immigration website:-(http://www.imm.police.go.th) (For Email - imm@police.go.th)Pattaya Immigration website:-(http://www.pattaya-immigration.com)90 day address confirmation:-(http://www.thaiimmigration.com/inv/index.php?showtopic=4)T.M.47 form for a visa extension:-(http://www.thaiimmigration.com/apf/TM47.doc)Phuket Provincial Employment Office for Work-Permit advice:- (http://www.phuketwork.org/english/index.html)Thai Consulate (UK) website with good visa information:(http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com)A very helpful web-forum with all the answers, if only you can find them:(http://www.thaivisa.com/forum)For all information on Thai Embassies & Consuls worldwide:(http://www.thaiembassy.org)Thai Customs website in English:(http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/indexEng.jsp)Thai Tax Office website in English:(http://www.rd.go.th/publish/6045.0.html)UK Tax Info: (http://www.hmrc.gov.uk)USA Tax Info: (http://www.irs.gov)The UK Dept of Work & Pensions is at:(http://www.dwp.gov.uk)Useful UK Pension & Tax Information:(http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/penret/pr_visit_or_living_abroad.asp)(http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/psimanual/part17/psi17.2.4.htm)Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa information (in English)(http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php)Immigration (Royal Thai Police) Visa Rules (in English - pdf download)(http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/2notice/rtp606EN.pdf)Immigration Bureau Headquarters, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120 Tel. 02.287.3117Why not come along next Sunday morning 10:30am (11:30 program start) to the Grand Solé Hotel (in the Theppraya Room, up on the Mezzanine level), 370 Pattaya 2nd Road (north), near the Pattaya Mail Office. Hotel tel: 038 427 555 Fax: 038 427 550. Half way between TOPS supermarket & BIG-C supermarket - bring a friend.For location - link to: (http://www.grandsolepattaya.com/location.htm)PEC website:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.com)PEC Blogg:- (http://pattayaexpatsclub.blogspot.com)See you soon, MC - Brian.